Texas Children's Hospital in Houston employs several golden retrievers in its Pawsitive Play Program. They provide comfort and playtime to children who may be nervous about their hospital stay. This week, therapy dogs Elsa, Pinto, Pluto, and Bailey dressed up in their best Christmas pajamas to make the rounds of the neurology and transplant departments at the hospital. Their handlers also put on the red plaid pjs to bring the party to patients and their families.
Being in the hospital at Christmastime is no fun, especially for children who are also dealing with injury or illness. The dogs, who have each completed at least 18 months of training as therapy dogs, offer a bit of distraction and a lot of affection to both patients and family members. And having a dog around lets the child know that he has a friend who doesn't care whether he's feeling up to a walk or not.
Click to the right on the image above to see a gallery of photos from the Pawsitive Play Program's Christmas parade. They will warm your heart. These good dogs are also the stars of their very own Christmas cards this year!
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